Obituary of Martha Louise Downey

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Martha Louise Downey (née Murphy)   at home on Saturday, October 19, 2019, following a brief illness, surrounded by her loving family. Born in the Codroy Valley, where she resided.  Martha began her career in teaching and then stayed at home to raise her family. She returned to work in home care until her retirement in 1996, touching the lives of many residents of the valley and southwest coast.  She enjoyed a good game of cards, browsing the aisles at Doreen’s/Shannon’s, looking for gifts for her many family members, and never needing an occasion to do so.

Martha leaves to mourn her nine children, Debra (Doug) Webber; Andy (Juanita); Walter; Gloria (Terry) Chaulk; Mary (Sherman Bungay); Martin (Lisa); Agnes; Joan (Gary) Kelland; Teresa (Bob) Teskey; 22 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren; brother, Albert (Phyllis) Murphy; many nieces and nephews who often looked upon her as a second mother; and many, many close friends. She was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, James Ignatius Downey; her parents, Walter and Mary Leila (McDonald) Murphy; and her brother, Joseph and sister, Joan.

Friends may visit St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church in Upper Ferry on Sunday, October 20 from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m. from where the funeral service will take place on Monday, October 21 at 11:00 with Father Maurice O'Quinn officiating. Interment to follow at Chapel Green Cemetery, Great Codroy.

The family would like to express their thanks to Dr. David Thomas, Amy Taylor, Margo Spencer, and Bridget Downey.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the charity of the donor’s choice. Funeral arrangements were in the care of Oceanside Funeral Home, 23 Read Street, Port aux Basques, 695-7010. Words of comfort can be sent to the family by visiting www.oceansidefh.ca